Assisted Area status boost for Liverpool City Region businesses

Posted 1st May 2014
 
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Areas of Liverpool City Region have been earmarked for extra help in a bid to boost businesses and create jobs.

The announcement from Government has revealed which parts of the UK have been successful in being awarded Assisted Area status and Liverpool City Region is among them.

Assisted Area status forms part of a European Union (EU) scheme which will mean that businesses in the area will be eligible for extra funding and tax breaks to grow, invest and ultimately create new jobs.

The Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership worked closely with partners to identify economic assets and opportunities to provide a single submission that informed what the best map for the City Region would look like.

Robert Hough, Chair of Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) said “This is fantastic news for the City Region. The LEP alongside partners put a powerful case for Assisted Areas to Government and I am pleased that this joint working has had the desired result.”

Robert added: “Although recent figures show our economy is growing well we are still not performing as strongly as many parts of the country, but we have significant opportunities which we highlighted to Government. Having Assisted Area status now means we can capitalise on these opportunities and unlock further potential for job creation and growth.”

Councillor Phil Davies, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, commented “This is great news for the Liverpool City Region. Through the Combined Authority, our aim is to grow the economy and jobs in the region and being awarded with Area Assisted status is one way we can achieve this.”

The Assistant Areas map is still subject to European Commission approval and is expected to take effect from 1 July.